Our BEST Secondhand Shopping Tips So You Can Thrift Like A Pro | Episode 46 Sustain This Podcast

[@KellyBoettcher-qo9tx]

Clothes swaps! I wish more communities did these.

[@KellyJackel]

I'm 60 and have been thifting for 45 years. Love it❤

[@AkA-sw7rl]

That’s so cool ❤

[@evalindell2757]

I swiched buttons on a new blazer, found lovely buttons from the sixties, and the blazer looks totally different! When I have worn out my blazer I will keep the buttons as they are soo cool! Buttons are so important!!

[@amyj6607]

Some thrifting tips I’ve learned: - Have a list with of things that your wardrobe is missing/things you’d like to add so you can shop with more focus - know your colours, I’ve spent too much on things that I like but never wear because of the colour - know your measurements if you can’t try items on at the time - if the waistband fits around your neck it will fit (never failed me so far) - smell things, some items have bad smells too ingrained to wash out (polyester is the worst culprit) - check for holes and rips before buying - ask yourself would I buy this from the original shop if I saw it in there today - check things regardless of what it says on the hanger, sometimes something will be labelled as uk 10 when it’s a US 10 etc Thanks for a great video ladies ❤

[@4eburawka18]

Wow thanks for a whole.list of helpful tips! 😊

[@nataliebotzang6327]

Context in secondhand shopping matters a lot. I found this discussion was great for people who live in areas with access to a variety of types of secondhand shops (in person and online), and it was completely relatable to me when I lived in a mid-sized city about less than an hour out from Toronto or other mid-sized cities . Since moving to Northern Ontario, the nearest secondhand shop is 300km away (the closest city), and they skew towards thrift shops. There just isn't access to the same variety of brands to buy from here so what lines the secondhand shops is extremely limited (and is very often from poor quality fast fashion brands). However, while the availability of clothes to buy from is limited, I've been able to donate clothing I bought new (but no longer wear) to soup kitchens and local thrift shops that would otherwise not be available to the local population. It's so important up here to have access to warm clothing that lasts, to have something to wear to a job interview, and to feel good in, so I do feel good donating here rather than to something like a Value Village or selling on ThredUp or Poshmark. Regarding re-sellers, context still matters. I think it would be unethical to do that in my area. Many people are struggling financially and sincerely rely on thrift stores for everything. It's not just a "nice to do" thing to shop secondhand, it's a necessity. Personally, I've not had much luck buying secondhand clothing online since moving, mostly because of not finding my size or QC issues. Which is unfortunate, because it turns in to the same scrolling drain as searching for new clothing online. I also love the idea of clothing swaps with local friends but there's too big of a size discrepancy between us to enable that (something I used to do before I moved). So for me it's just putting more emphasis on overall reducing consumption, which isn't a bad thing anyways!

[@4eburawka18]

A great point has been mentioned in the comments below - usually you can't return items in secondhand shops. So you'd better be really mindful about your purchase 👏

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Thank you to Christina for mentioning the hunter-gatherer instinct gone awry. I recognised that aspect of myself some years ago, and found that growing and foraging for food reduced the urge to shop and was more fulfilling. It’s not a solution which is suitable for everyone, and it’s seasonal, but it helps me.

[@szfrj]

Aw that’s a really interesting substitute for shopping 😅 I know what you mean though, I pick wild mushrooms for our table and it’s like a treasure hunt! Same feelings when collecting sea glass at the beach. Never thought of shopping as a ‘hunter gatherer behaviour’

[@AlexLouiseWest]

@@szfrjgreat response! I collect sea glass too.

[@ashlynnkaplan680]

Your point about thrift shops raising prices; of all the thrift shops in my area, St. Vincent de Paul, a Christian charity organization, has raised their prices to unreasonable levels. The last two times I went in, I found simple 100% cotton sweaters going for $25-$30. I live in the panhandle Northwest, where cost-of-living is relatively low compared to the coastal states. Over the winter time, I came across jackets of Decent quality but used and even missing hoods for up to $80-$100! I didn’t leave the store without making a matter-of-fact comment about what I was seeing. Even looking around at the shoppers I noticed very few people were leaving with much, if anything. The store has basically become like a boutique where they separate their higher quality and brand name items away from those that are not so pricey or might be more used. There are also a lot of people shopping to resell online which I believe is also driving up prices. Which in turn drives up the prices of online second hand as well. But if you don’t have the time, and you’re looking for something specific, you are paying these people for their time and efforts to find these things! Many people rely on thrift shops to fulfill a need within a budget price, especially in the times we are living in now with inflation the way it is and even for my local area, the economy is becoming severely and rapidly inflated due to rapid growth. People who could once afford to buy new clothing can no longer. This phenomenon has caused me to be even more picky about the quality of clothing I buy and the condition. It’s a good thing because I am buying less, but at the same time these shops are getting backlogged with even more items due to people buying less within what they can afford. It’s also getting more difficult to find higher quality items and I’m seeing a lot of fast fashion that the thrift store price tag could rival a sale at their brand name stores… all this to also say that I have found some exceptional pieces in great condition that still would’ve cost me much more to buy it new. I only purchase things that are actually on my wish list so when I find them in such a state, I am still more than happy to get them!

[@gabystringer2056]

I heartily agree with your comment.

[@marisacooper5364]

Hail to second hand! Started for me as a kid getting infant clothes for my cabbage patch dolls. Just yesterday I scored 4 pieces -actually on my wishlist- at Salvation Army. Went to drop a donation and spur of the moment shopped the store with my wishlist in mjnd- denim (Christina!), navy blue (Cena!) trousers and casual navy jumpsuit with pockets 😍, and a merino wool cardigan (Alyssa!) … such a good feeling to find quality items discounted that need a new home, and usually end up being better than imagined!

[@7ADGr8]

Can you do an episode about shoes! How to style them, your brands recommendations, how to choose good quality, durable, comfortable and come in wide width (most of the options for medium width), and lastly how to care for your shoes to last. Thanks

[@autumnellingham5712]

Great discussion, loved hearing how differently you approach this and your views really valuable. I used to buy second hand a lot when I was younger, especially for 50's and 80's style which I loved. My style has changed since I've got older I'm not finding happiness in these outfits any more. (selling or donating). I always check Vinted first as I I don't have as much time now, but I've found I have recently brought things and not worn them as much as I thought I would. I find bags are fine but I find it difficult to deal with the sizing and the textures probably because of my neurodiversity so I tend to shift back to the company's I like and can visit or return goods to. I will look up the fabric types and sustainability of garments online first. I am definitely shopping less, using a list, not buying on impulse and being more intentional with my purchases, that's down to you all so thank you for this it's a true gift. 🙂

[@namaslay6866]

Ladies you are absolutely crushing it! Am so so enjoying this series that am feeling sad about the thought of it ending someday lmao! I only felt like that ever about Kim’s convenience. Anyway enough ranting and back to listening :)

[@rosej9686]

Great reminder to look outside of your size and to also check the men's section when thrifting in person. I need to remember to do that. Thanks for another great podcast, ladies! ❤

[@sandimcdougall2909]

Excellent video ladies!!

[@tanakribbs3583]

Great podcast today! I love to thrift and you gave some really helpful tips. I feel the same way that I like a little organization when thrifting. We have a lot of thrift stores here that hangs things by size, color, and items categorized. I agree they have definitely went up on prices so I always have to look and make decision if it’s still worth the price. It is worth it more than not in most cases that In my case. I love men’s button up shirts! They are much better quality and very reasonable.

[@evalindell2757]

Brilliant! I will try all these tips most of them I have never done. I have not shopped in thrift stores very much so I want to try it more, next time I need something. I have been looking for belts for a long long time, but never find anything that I want and fits! Thank You for making a very good Podd! ❤

[@evahalkova2859]

We used to thrift with my mom when I was small. It was a few years after the iron curtain lifted and there were no clothes shops here in the Czech republic. I remember huge baskets full of clothes we had to dig through. I don't thrift now as much for myself, but I do buy stuff online second hand for my little son. I try to think through every purchase for myself carefully and use what I already own. I suck at second hand shopping offline as I hate the digging now.

[@katem3961]

I went thrifting this morning, or, as we say Op shopping here in Australia. I was looking for a household item, only, not clothing. I did have a quick look, though, and was so disappointed to see fast fashion dominating the filled racks! The first shop I visited usually has some great clothing items, but I was so shocked at the lack of quality. All of the items were either really worn out or stretched and faded. However, the prices still ranged from $7 to $25 (Aus) per item. Obviously, we don't have a large population, like the US, so finding good quality, reasonably priced items is not that easy in many Op shops. It's certainly true for the city suburb I live in. I prefer to shop second-hand online. As Signe said, you can filter your choices so you can hone in on a specific item. I do find that postage is quite prohibitive from the US and sometimes the UK. As it is often twice or three times more, the price of the actual item. Your tips Alyssa are always brilliant, and Christina added to it, I learned a lot about Levis, a brand I love. Thank you, ladies, fabulous ❤️

[@annie-sc]

Excellent video. I don't mind resellers who do the curation of certain brands that I usually look for. They do the dirty job of searching through massive piles of stuff, and it takes time and energy to do that. You are just paying extra for that convenience.

[@ChauNguyen-rn9oj]

Thank you for the tips!!!

[@szfrj]

I would really love to see a podcast series from you where you discuss and expand on comments from subscribers you thought were interesting 😅 would be more of a exchange with your audience 🙏🏻

[@AlexLouiseWest]

Yes!

[@amyli092]

I think that over time, in my area, at least, resellers have become more strategic about what it is they're looking for and have enough common sense/respect for not only other customers, but also the employees like myself. Of course, there are still a couple rotten ones who get competitive and rude, but I try to not let that get to me and just move about my day. People are allowed to make their own shopping decisions; this is basic common sense that people should have. If a person has the time to judge, then they also have the ability to make their own decisions and take responsibility for them.

[@abettertomorrow2945]

Great tips ladies, especially the part about supporting female POC small business owners! It always feels good to help out the less fortunate 🥰

[@szfrj]

❤

[@ashleyjolicoeur]

Yesterday, I was listening to another podcast with the author of Consumed Aja Barber. And she said even if 5 million Depop stores pop up that still won’t be a drop in the mass production/over consumption problem.And I shop secondhand, but not exclusively. So I decided, after that comment, to shop for myself, secondhand only for one year. There’s so much out there and what’s new will eventually become old, and probably end up on Poshmark anyway (sad but true).

[@bbappzz98]

what podcast is this?

[@AkA-sw7rl]

I can only shop in very well organised second hand stores that are not smelly otherwise I am overwhelmed after 5 minutes and fleeing the location 😂 I wish I had more stamina yet I don’t 🤷🏻‍♀️ it is what it is.

[@sandys6379]

I went to a local thrift store the other day and there were so many items from places like SHEIN there….😔

[@randischwartz7505]

Wonderful video! Just what I needed as I learn to thrift!❤❤❤

[@mariadouglas1980]

Do you guys use Thread-up?

[@JJSolitude]

I'm losing interest in thrifting because my local thrift stores are filled with fast fashion and it's typically too worn out to buy. Another shame about fast fashion. It lowers the quality everwhere, even second hand stores!